Hamster Parvovirus

Etiology: Hamster parvovirus is a single stranded nonenveloped DNA virus. It is closely related to mouse parvovirus MPV-3.

Incidence: Incidence of infection with this virus is rare in research hamsters.

Transmission: Hamsters are infected primarily by direct contact with virus shed in feces or urine. There may be rare interspecies transmission from mice.

Clinical Signs: In suckling and weanling Syrian hamsters, affected animals can present with domed calvaria, potbellied appearance and discolored, malformed, or absence of the incisor teeth, as well as smaller than normal testicles.